It comes from Psychology Today. A worthy tome to read and discuss. Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC, wrote the article. Not sure why he needs all those initials after his name, but, apparently he does. I don't even know what the last seven are all about.

His article takes an intriguing topic and tries to deconstruct it a bit. The topic being - do dogs plan for the future? (we'll get to cats in a minute)

My experience with trainers and veterinarians and such is that they have been taught that dogs do not understand past, present, and future. Wait, they do understand present, but that's all. A dog, I've been told and read in scholarly magazines (veterinary and such), lives for the now. A dog cannot anticipate a future event or occurrence. Unless we're talking about the way they drool at the sight of the cookie you're holding in their hand. Surely they are anticipating the deliciousness of said cookie, if only they can convince you to share!

I don't think they do. Not the way we understand it. Do they anticipate the future? I think they do. It's not a 'time' thing, however. Time, as everyone knows, is a human construct. It doesn't actually exist. We created it to manage our little lives. Other creatures, intelligent creatures, like dogs, have no use for time, in the linear sense of how humans understand and use it. And, I say, good for them!

What about the human animal bond? Does that fit in here - since that's the underlying focus of Scratchings and Sniffings. Yes, it does. I think the human animal bond is a vital part of this discussion.

Dogs, certainly my Emily, plan for the future when they learn there is a benefit to them, in the future. Let me deconstruct:

December 22, 2017

The human-animal bond is complex, multifaceted and often a matter of the meaning we bring to our relationships with our furry friends. Often this bond is framed through the language of the heart and soul – love, joy, non-judgement and interdependence. We often talk about the health benefits that our pets contribute to our lives, or ponder the precise location of this bond – both worthwhile explorations.

Certainly, one aspect of the human-animal bond can be understood through the lens of the interplay of social animals that happens via communication. The different languages we speak may be part of the mystery and wonder that happens when we make close contact with other species. Discovering each other is no doubt fueling a curiosity and fascination that serves to build our bonds.

Positive training methods are a way to improve the communication we have with other animals by giving us tools that translate across the species divide, in particular, the role pleasure plays in structuring our experience of the world and the way we learn. It’s not just providing them with the right dog food and thinking your job is done.

This article will investigate how modern training methods can expand the human-animal bond by creating a shared language of positive reinforcement and validation that, contrary to popular belief, is a two-way street.

October 07, 2017

Today seems like a great day to share. Share some images, some blogs I like, and maybe even a video.

Here's the thing, I write about the human-animal bond because it's so important not just to me, but to all humans. That's my "bold" opinion, as being humble never gets anyone, anywhere. When you see me write IMBO, you know what it means - that I am outrageous in my promoting this concept. If we, as humans, don't begin to accept the power of the human-animal bond, we will forever pay the price, and make no bones about it, the price we will pay is with our own demise. We NEED these creatures, each and every one.

And, as I go about my business sharing stories about the human-animal bond, I come across others who 'get it'. Pet folks, like me. Who don't necessarily focus on this one topic, but who write amazing stories and share awesome photos and videos, and that's why I'm sharing today. Because, the eyes have it! For sure!

1. This post from Carol Bryant's Fidose of Reality dog blog really hit home to me. I mean, who thinks about these things? Well, Carol does, that's who. Her blog is an A+ place to get great information on topics like, Dog Water Dangers No One Talks About.

2. My friend, Felissa, has a pawsome blog called Two Little Cavaliers. Let's wonder what that's about - oh you know already? Yes, it's about her pups, Indiana and Davinia. I would be hard-pressed to tell them apart, but ... that's because I love them both to pieces and it doesn't matter which one I'm loving on, the other one is doing her best to get in the way! Too funny! These two pups keep Felissa very busy! I decided I'd share an older post with you, today. About smoothies. Why would Felissa write about smoothies on her dog blog? I don't know. You have to go read the post - 50 Fresh and Tasty Smoothie Recipes.

Here's the thing - I was really drawn to the images. They made me drool. Images are huge in social, don't you think?

3. Lest I be accused of playing favorites, let me include a cat blogger. Well, Amy Shojai is a cat, dog, and whathaveyou blogger, I mean, she's like me, she doesn't discriminate. We love all creatures, great or small or big or tall. Whatever. In fact, Amy has a new book out called complete kitten careand I recommend it with big cheers from here to there. I mean, I'd sing a song but that would make you cry, so never mind. Amy's book talks about things like "kitten aggression"... which I had never heard of. Have you ever heard of it?

It's a real thing, just ask Amy. She has the scratches to show for it! Now, I do want to say this - I adore kittens! I'm a big fan of cute cat/kitten videos! But, getting attacked by a furball the size of a dandelion can still hurt! You know I'm right. Well, even if you don't, you can see for yourself on Amy's blog, Bling, Bitches & Blood. (that's a name for you, right?) Even if you don't read the posts, you can love the pictures! Oh, get her book, too.

I wanted to share a video but there isn't time. Darn! If YOU have a great pet video you'd like me to share, email me and maybe we can make that happen. My email is attached to this blog.

Hey, I'll sign off with one more image - one of my own. As seen on our walk with Emily this morning... we is so lucky to live where we live! (do you suppose all that snow is hinting at the coming winter? we have NO snow down in Firestone...just sun and warmth! Ahhhh!)

August 22, 2017

"Many pet owners see their pets as a valued member of the family and openly admit to loving their pets and having strong attachments – they simply enjoy the companionship and unconditional love their pet brings." And so starts the page I landed on for the Society for Companion Animal Studies, out of the UK.

As I share those words, I grimace just a little. The idea of our pets as valued family members is nothing new. It's been around for more years than you think. I don't know how widespread it was in ancient Egypt, but cats were certainly important to those long ago people.

Dogs were important to early man, also. We can speculate on the attachment, be it for guarding the homestead or for helping hunt, I have to believe there is evidence dogs infiltrated the family heart, also.

Today, we have companion animals of all sorts. I love guinea pigs, though I do not have one, presently. At one time in my life, I owned a rat. A beautiful white rate who loved coffee.

"The AVMA officially recognizes: (1) the existence of the human-animal bond and its importance to client and community health, (2) that the human-animal bond has existed for thousands of years, and (3) that the human-animal bond has major significance for veterinary medicine, because, as veterinary medicine serves society, it fulfills both human and animal needs."

Why do I quote these recognized sources of human-animal bond research? It's because they have a bigger voice than you or I. They do the research that proves the point. They, like you and I, want the world to learn and understand the importance of animals - companion or otherwise - in our lives.

February 18, 2017

This is a story. It's not necessarily true. I could be true. But, there is no written evidence that it is true, so...it's probably fiction.

I intend it as fiction. But isn't all fiction based in reality, somehow? Even science fiction? And horror stories?

Let us begin...

Once upon a time, about 30,000 years ago they say, wolves became dogs. It's unclear without further investigation how wolves came to be known as "dogs" rather than merely tame wolves, but let's not worry about the nomenclature for now.

The pups were raised for work. Not fun. Not companionship. Not love and affection.

The humans saw opportunity. The pups from the wolves (this had to be happening in more places than just our little human gathering, don't you think?) over time, became used to being included in hunts, travel, and other household activities. To my mind, in our story, the animals began to appreciate the good life they had with these two-legged, hairless beasts. And the hairless beasts had to appreciate having a creature about that could keep other animals at bay, be used as pack animals to carry items from a hunt, and more. The relationship was symbiotic, as most history tells us.

Over time, the wolves with the tamer, more approachable personalities...became dogs. As they showed their willingness to be submission to the humans, they also likely wormed their way into the home and hearth, from outside the cave door (we are being rather loose with our terms, you understand). And as that happened, I suspect the attraction from the younger folks in the group gradually moved from seeing these animals as merely worker-bees, to seeing them as companions.

February 06, 2017

Emily peers over the edge of the stairs. "When is it time for my walk?" she says.

This blog is about the human-animal bond and I sometimes slide into humor or reporting on the pet industry, because it's all good. Everything related to pets and animals the world over is, in my <brazen> opinion, relevant to the human animal bond. All we do and all we are is inclusive of the presence of animals, particularly pets, in our lives.

A week or so ago a report came into my inbox stating, "New Study: Pet Industry is Economic Powerhouse".

This, to my thinking, is not news. Who doesn't/didn't know this? Raise your hand. I won't call on you.

The pet industry generated more than $221 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic impact, according to a new study conducted by George Mason University and released today at the Pet Industry Leadership Conference in Laguna Beach, California. The economic analysis also showed the pet industry supported over 1.3 million U.S. jobs in 2015 that paid more than $60 billion in salaries, wages and benefits.

I'm sharing it here because it plays into the need for better recognition of all we do for the economy, we pet parents. Our love for our pets, our bond with our pets, inspires us to spend the money, to search for employment that brings us in close contact with other pets (and animals we might not be around a whole lot, thinking of reptiles and birds; so many of us keep to the traditional dog or cat in our homes). In fact, the report goes on to say,

According to this report, consumers spend over $77 billion on their pets annually. Pet food and veterinary services are the two leading sources of spending within the industry. Other sectors considered in the study include manufacturing of pet supplies and toys, pet pharmaceuticals, grooming, boarding and other services, wholesale and retail trade involving pet products, and the emerging pet health insurance industry.

May 25, 2016

Are you ready for the biggest, best, most fun and educational conference of your life? I mean YOUR LIFE?

Yes, it's BlogPaws. We're only 28 days away and I'm sharing here because I want to see your face at the Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ on June 25-28th. All the most fun pet people will be there. I will be there... aw shucks, ya make be blush when you gush like that! Yes, I want to give you a hug too!

This photo is from a long ago past conference. The young lady is now a high school graduate. Oh my! How does that happen?

I can tell you from personal experience that our speakers are over the top this year (I was on the committee that chose them!), our sponsors are eager to meet you, and the resort is going bananas over having BlogPaws there.

As we approach sell-out status, I am tapping into all my friends to nudge registration. Don't wait! I can't promise you'll get in if you wait... we can only accommodate so many! BlogPaws purposely keeps our conferences smaller than other business events because we LOVE pets and people bring their pets! Oh, do bring yours!

May 21, 2016

"We'll need you to fill out these forms," she said. Her name tag said Connie, a name I remember from my childhood but have not heard since. I took the forms from her and turned to Tom.

We were in the Longmont Humane Society. It was time, we had determined, to adopt. It was time to allow Carmie to relax at the Rainbow Bridge, and to bring another dog into our lives.

"This one," Tom had said on a short walk around the shelter's outside area. We had a coon hound on a leash. A beautiful boy who was a bit skittish having come from years and years in a kennel at a research facility. He was clearly amazed and delighted to be outside. His nose found delight in the grass and along the pavement.

"Yes," I nodded. His name was Chester and I was as enamored as Tom. This dog was solid, his long ears dragged on the ground when he placed his nose here and there. Every bird, every car passing by, every laugh we heard from others also walking dogs, brought his head up as if startled.

He was wary of us, that was clear. I wondered how many people he'd encountered in the research facility. I wondered if they ever took him outside - on grass, not concrete? I wondered if he'd been exposed to other dogs ... and cats? At the time, we had an elderly girl who was Queen of the house and no dog, no matter how large, was going to take her crown!

Regardless of our questions, we knew we wanted to bring this boy home. But first...two important things, those all consuming forms and then, a visit from Kindness Ranch, where he'd been living for a few months, being acclimated to new surroundings before being brought to Longmont.

As we sat in a waiting room and carefully read through the forms, each of us taking one or two to complete, we came upon this question:

"How much do you think it costs to care for your new pet, over a year's time?"

Hmmm... I looked at Tom and gave a shrug. "What should we put?" I asked.

He started trying to add numbers in his head; vet visits, food, vitamins, leashes, whatever...

"Let's just put $1500," I said. "That's a good round number and if it's less, great. If it's more, so be it."

May 20, 2016

You woke me up. Are there treats? Walk? I hope it's one of those two...

I know the title is ... laughable to most people who read this blog. "Of course, my dog dreams," you're saying. And if you're a cat or ferret Mom/Dad, "That's stupid!" you're saying. "I've watched my dog (pet) dream..."

Emily and Olive certainly dream. We watch them wiggle along as they chase imaginary rabbits and we laugh when they give their little dream barks. Those are nothing like their waking barks. When she's awake Emily can bark loud enough to rattle the eaves! Olive, not so much, but certainly stronger and louder than when she's dreaming.

It is known that the hippocampus, the portion of the brain that collects and stores memories, is wired much the same way in all mammals. According to Professor Wilson, “If you compared a hippocampus in a rat to a dog; in a cat to a human, they contain all of the same pieces.” He believes that as dogs sleep, images of past events replay in their minds, much the same way people recall experiences while dreaming.

It is known that in people most dreams occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Dogs also experience periods of REM sleep, during which their breathing becomes more irregular and shallow. There may be muscle twitching during REM and, when one looks closely, rapid eye movements behind closed eyelids can often be observed. It is during REM sleep that behaviors thought to be associated with dreaming (legs paddling, twitching, vocalizing, etc.) are most commonly observed.

While we pet parents or pet lovers or pet people, however you describe yourself, are quite comfortable accepting that our pets do dream, it's good to see neuroscience catching up.

Dr. Kay asked in her post, "What do you think your dog dreams about?" I say, Emily dreams about all the other dogs in the neighborhood and how to keep them from invading her yard. She is pretty protective of our yard! Oh, and of Tom. Yes, on walks, certain dogs get her going before they even get close to us. Other dogs, she ignores. So, I'm certain she's dreaming of how well she protects her family.

For Olive, she pretty much follows suit. If Emily is upset or has her hackles up, Olive joins in. Otherwise, she is a placid girl and happy to do her sniffs and pees. When she dreams, I wonder if she's dream-barking at other little dogs. Having come from a puppy mill, Olive is not fond of other dogs her size.

I hope they are both conducting business, in their dreams, on happy sunny days, trailing along with their human pets. How about you?

The event featured a book launch, sale, and signing by author Sandy Robins and photographer Paul Smulson in celebration of their new book, Making the Most of All Nine Lives: The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat (Triumph Books), a series of adorable photographs and captions detailing the life of the famous feline Buffy. The book documents Buffy as he trades hairballs for golf balls, scratching posts for the Evening Post and meowing a yawn for mowing the lawn. A portion of the book sales will benefit Bideawee. Anyone who adopted a cat or kitten from Bideawee today received a signed copy of the book, a photo op with their new furry family member taken by Paul Smulson, and a cat-owner starter kit provided by the event’s sponsors.

I'm so honored!

Let's meet at BlogPaws!

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